Combination control device for ironers



July 26, 1938. J. w. JENSEN COMBINATION CONTROL DEVICE FOR IRONERS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 3, 1936 July 26, 1938. J.'w. JENSEN 2,124,976

I COMBINATION CONTROL DEVICE FOR IRONERS Filed June 5, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 26, 1938 PATENT OFFICE 2,124,916 commanon ggmon DEVICE Foa NERS Joseph W. Jensen, Chicago, Ill'., assignor to Electric Household Utilities Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application June 3, 1936, Serial No. 83,237

.18 Claims. (Cl. 38-1) This invention relates to improvements in combination knee and foot treadle mechanism for controlling the operation 'of domestic ironers.

One object of the invention .is to provide a 5 simple and efficient treadle mechanism for controlling the operation of ironer mechanisms, which is constructed and designed sothat it may be u'sedas a foot or knee treadle means, as desired. 10 A more specific object of the invention is to provide a treadle mechanism of the character indicated, which may be mounted in position on the ironer so as to be actuated by the knee of the operator, or which may be detached and placed 15 on the floor so as to be actuated by the operator's foot.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a treadle mechanism which, when arranged to be actuatedby the knee of the oper- 20 ator, may be adjusted to various positions for the convenience of the operator.

Other objects of the invention will more clearly appear-from the description and claims herein after following. 25 In the drawings forming a part of this specification, Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of an ironer and an associated cabinet, illustrating my improveinents in connection therewith, the ironer being shown as extendedfor use and the side 3 wall of the cabinet being partly broken away to disclose a portion of the mechanism contained therein. a

F'ig. 2 is a view, similar to Fig. 1, of the outer end portion of the baseboard which carries the 35 ironer mechanism proper, certain parts being broken away and others shown partly in vertical section.

Fig. 3 is an underneath view of the parts shown in Fig. 2, the baseboard being broken away.

40 Figs. 4 and 5 are transverse, vertical sectional views, corresponding respectively to the lines 4-4 and 5-50! Fig. 1.-

For purpose of illustration the present invention is herein disclosed in connection with a 45 folding type domestic ironer wherein the ironer mechanism is associated with a cabinet into which it "may be folded to be stored while not in use. In said drawings, A indicates a cabinet of substantially rectangular boxlike form, and .B an ironer 50 mechanism mounted on a baseboard ID, the ironer mechanism B together with the baseboard li being foldable as a unit into the cabinet when not in use. The ironer mechanism comprises a roll ii and a cooperating shoe l2 carried-by a 55 head or standard l3 mounted at the inner end of the baseboard Iii, as shown in Fig. 1. The ironer mechanism is driven by an electric motor housed in a casing l4 secured underneath the baseboard ill. The standard or head i3 contains suitable gearing for connecting the motor to the ironer mechanism, having means associated therewith and also contained in the standard or head it; for controlling operation of,,the ironer mechanism. This controlling means may be of any well known form for the purpose. The cabinet A is provided with a door opening lid, through which the ironer unit passes in being moved into and out of the cabinet. Suitable means is provided for guiding the ironer unit during its movement into and out of the cabinet to fold the unit in vertical positionwhen moved completely into the cabinet and to unfold the same, to the horizontal position shown in Fig. 1 when entirely withdrawn from the cabinet. The specific ironer mechanism and the means for guiding the ironer unit in its movements need no further description as the. guide means does not form a part of the present invention and the ironer mechanism forms a part of this invention only in so far as it is related to my improved com-- bined treadle means. The specific form of ironer and the mechanism for guiding the same to folded and unfolded positions, as shown in the drawings, are fully and completely disclosed in copending application, Serial No. 32,267, filed July 19, 1935, to which reference may be had. Howieever, it might be pointed out that the ironer unit is guided by rails 85 and it, which are duplicated at opposite sides of the cabinet, links ii and it I cooperating with the rails l6 and supporting struts 19 at opposite sides of the inner end of the baseboard it--ca-rryi-ngrollers 20 traveling in the channels of therails 05. It is further pointed out that in its extended operating position, as shown in Fig. 1, the inner end of the baseboard ill is 4.0

supported from the rails l5 by the struts i9.

The outer end of the baseboard ill is supported by a foldable hinged leg 2i, which is folded against the under side of the baseboard l0 when the ironer unit is moved into the cabinet A, as described in the co-pending application hereinbefore referred .to. The folding of the leg 2| is automatically performed during movement of the ironer into the-cabinet A and any suitable mechanism may be employed for this purpose; therefore, this mechanism needs no further description. The mechanism-indicated in Fig. 1 includes a link 22 connected to the leg 2| and operated by a cam 23 actuated by thb link l 1'.

My improved combined knee and foot treadle port and guide 24 onthe baseboard ll! of the' ironer mechanism; a treadle member 25; and a flexible connection 25 between the treadle member 25 and the controlling means in the head or standard l3 of the ironer mechanism. The combined support and guide 24 is in the form of an elongated sheet metal plate, preferably made of spring material, secured to the underneath surface of the baseboard I adjacent to the end thereof which carries the hinged leg 2|. The plate,

which forms the combined support and guide 24, has downwardly extending longitudinal flanges 21-21 along opposite sides thereof, said flanges having right angular inturned lower edge-portions 28-28. The side portions of the'plate section of the member 24, together with the flanges 21-21 and the inturned ends 28-28, form channels on opposite sides of the combined support and guide member for a purpose hereinafter pointed out. Along the longitudinal center of the platelike portion of the combined support and guide 24 is provided a downwardly projecting, continuous corrugation 29 of substantially V-shaped cross section, as mostficlearly shown in Figs. 4 and 5. At the outer end of the combined support and guide 24, that is, the end adjacent to the leg 2| of the baseboard ID, the plate section is provided with a downwardly bowed portion 30, which forms an abutment or stop member. The portion 30 is preferably formed integral with the plate section of the combined support and guide member 24 and comprises a striplike portion formed by transversely slitting the end of the plate between the opposite sides thereof and displacing the strip section thus provided.

The treadle 25 may, of course, be an electrical control device in the event that the operating mechanism in the head I3 is electrically operated. In the structure shown in the drawings, however, the invention is illustrated in connection with a mechanical control in which the treadle and the ironer head are'connected by a flexible mechanical connection 25.

The treadle member 25 comprises a base 3| having a treadle plate 32 pivoted thereon, as indicated at 33. The base 3| includes a heavy supporting plate member 34, which rests on the floor when the treadle member is employed forfoot operation. The supporting plate 34 is provided with a pair of supporting buttons 35-35 at one end thereof, as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, which are made of rubber and hold the treadle member against slipping while supported on the floor. The rubber buttons 35-35 have rounded endportions 35-36, which project through the supporting plate 34 to secure the buttons in place. The treadle plate 32 is in the form of a hollow cap and embraces the upstanding portion of the base 3|. The treadle plate 32 is designed to conform to the foot of the operator and is provided with the usual depressed heelreceiving portion '31.

The .flexible connection 25 between the head |.3 of the ironer mechanism and the treadle member 25 is of well known form and includes an outer flexible conduit, which contains a flexible rod or wire 38, shown in Figs. 2 and 3, which is freely slidable lengthwise in the conduit. As is well understood, the flexible rod or wire 38 is connected to the treadle member 25 so that when the treadle plate 32 is depressed, the wire will be pulled in one direction, and when thetreadle plate 32 is raised, will move in a reverse direction. This reciprocating motion of the wire 38 is communicated to the controlling mechanism contained in the standard or head 13 in a well known manner to throw the ironer mechanism into operation when the treadle plate 32 is depressed and to throw the same out of operation when the treadle plate is permitted to rise. The treadle plate 32 is automatically returned to, its raised position by the usual spring means, thereby also effecting return movement of the flexible rod or wire 38. .As shown most clearly in Figs. 3 and 4, the supporting plate 34 of the base member 3| has a widened section 39, which is of substantially rectangular form and of such a width as to engage within the guide channels formed by the flanges 21-21 of the combined support and guide member 24, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The

will be clear upon reference to Figs. 1, 2, and 3,

the combined support and guide member 24 isof adjusted to several different positions lengthwise thereof, two of such positions being indicated in dotted lines and designated by 40 and 4| resuch a length that the treadle member may be spectively. The supporting 'plate 34, when en- 1 gaged with the guide channels of the combined support and guide member 24, is yieldingly clamped between the inturned ends 23-28 of the flanges 21-21 and the corrugation 28 and is thus retained in adjusted position by the friction between these parts. When the treadle member 25 is adjusted to the position indicated by the-dotted line 40, same will be held against endwise movemerit by engagement with the stop 33.

As will be evident from the preceding description taken in connection with the drawings, the treadle member 25 of my improved combined knee and foot treadle mechanism may be readily converted fromone form to the other. When the ironer is not in use, the treadle member 25 is preferably attached to and supported by the combined support and guide member 24 and occupies this position on the baseboard l0 when the ironer is stored-within the cabinet A. In employing the knee of the operator to properly actuate the treadle plate 32 to start,-stop, and control the operation of the-ironer mechanism. As hereinbefore pointed out, the treadle member 25 may be adjusted to numerous positions along the combined support and guide member 24 to suit the convenience of the operator. when it is desired to employ the treadle member 25 for foot operation, it is merely detached from the combined support and guide member by sliding the supporting plate 34 of the treadle member out of the guide channels and, after inverting the treadle member 25, placing the same on the floor, as shown in Fig. 1. 4

I have hereinshown and described what I now considerthe preferred manner of carrying out 'my invention, but the same is merely illustrative and I contemplate all changes and modifor detachably holding said treadle member in I claim:

1. In an ironer mechanism, the combination with a power-driven ironer; of a support for said ironer, on which said ironer is mounted; a treadle member ifor controlling the operation of said ironer, said treadle member having a base portion for supporting the same on the floor for toot operation; and clamping 'means'on said support position for knee operation.

2. In an-ironer mechanism, the combination vwith a power-driven ironer; of a support for said ironer; a treadle member for controlling the operation of said ironer, said treadle member having a base portion for supporting the same on the iioor for foot operation; and cooperating means on the floor for toot operation; and means for detachably connecting the treadle member in inverted position to the underneath side of the baseboard, said means including a bracket fixed to the baseboard for detachably receiving the base portion of said treadle member.

4. In an ironer mechanism, the combinationwith a power-driven ironer; of an elevated supj porting baseboard for said ironer; a treadle member for controlling the operation of said ironer; means -for detachably clamping said treadle member underneath said baseboard for knee operation; and actuating means permanently connecting said ironer and treadle member for controlling the operation of said ironer through actuation of the treadle member, said connecting actuating means being flexible to per mit movement ofsaid treadle member from its operating position on said baseboard to operating position on the floor without disturbing the operative connectionbetween said treadle member and ironer.

5. Ihe combination of a power-driven mechanism, an elevated support on which said mechanism is mounted; convertible treadle means, and

I means -for readily detachably securing the treadle v nism.

' the combination with a power-driven operating means to the support, whereby the treadle means may be positioned for-either knee or foot operation for controlling the operation of said mecha- 6. In an ironer mechanism, the combination with'a power-driven ironer; or supporting means for said ironer including a baseboard; means for controlling the operation of sald-ironer including 'a treadle member; a base on said treadle member for supporting the same on the floor for foot operation, said base having lateral flangelike portions; and a supporting bracket fixed to the baseboard, said supporting bracket having side channels within which said flangelike portions of the base of the treadle member are engageable to support the latter in'inverted position for knee operation. I

7'. In a mechanism of the character described,

mechanism; of supporting means for said operating mechanism including an elevated baseboard on which said operating mechanism is I base portion in various positions of adjustment mounted; 'means for controlling the operation of said operating mechanism including a treadle member, said treadle member v having a base portion adapted to rest on the floor for supporting the treadle member for toot operation; and

means on said baseboard for supporting said treadle member for knee operation comprising a bracket having a pocket receiving the-base portion 01 said treadle member.

8. In a mechanism of the character described. 10

the combination with a power-driven operating mechanism; of supporting means for said operating mechanism including an elevated baseboard on which said operating mechanism is mounted; means for controlling the operation 15 tion of said treadle member, said pocket being I provided with supporting guide portions for said lengthwise of said bracket.

9. In a mechanism 'of the character described,

' the combination with a power-driven operatingmechanism; of supporting means for said operating mechanism including an elevated baseboard on which said operating mechanism is mounted; means for controlling the operation of said operating mechanism including a treadle member, said treadle member having a base portion adapted to rest on the floor for supporting the treadle member for foot operation; and a 1 bracket fixed to the underneath side of said baseboard for detachably supporting said treadle member in position for knee operation, said, bracket including means irictionally engaging said base portion to hold the same in adjusted,- position.

10. In amechanlsm of the character described, the combination with a power-driven operating tion adapted to: rest on the floor for supporting the treadle member for foot operation; and a bracket fixed to the underneath side of said baseboard for supporting said treadle member for knee operation, said bracket having means thereon irictionally gripping said base portion to resist movement thereof along said bracket, said treadle member being adjustable lengthwise of said bracket.

11. In a. mechanism of the character described, the combination with a power-driven operating mechanism; of supporting means for said operating mechanism including an elevated baseboard on which said operating mechanism is mounted; 'meansfor controlling the operation oi. said operating mechanism including a treadle member, said treadle member having a base member adapted to rest on the floor to support the treadle-member for footoperation, said base '70 said treadle member from said baseboard for knee operation.

.12. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination with a power-driven. operating mechanism; of supporting means for said operating mechanism including an elevated baseboard on which said operating mechanism is mounted; means for controlling the operation of said operating mechanism including a treadle member, said treadle member having a base member adapted to rest on thefioor to support the treadle member for foot operation, said base member having a platelike bottom portion; and a supporting member fixed to the underneath side of said baseboard, said supporting member having inwardly extending supporting flanges at opposite sides thereof adapted to receive and support said platelike portion of the base member to support the treadle member for knee operation.

13. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination with a power-driven operating mechanism; of supporting means for said operating mechanism including an elevated baseboard on which said operating mechanism is mounted; means for controlling the operation of said operating mechanism including a treadle member, said treadle member having a base member adapted to rest on the floor to support the treadle member for foot operation, said base member having a platelike bottom portion; and a supporting plate member fixed to the underneath side of said baseboard, said plate member having supporting flanges at opposite sides thereof and a central depending guide portion between and above said flanges, said flanges and guide portion being adapted to receive said platelike portion of the base member therebetween'for frictionally holding said treadle member in position for knee operation.

14. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination with a power-driven operating mechanism; of supporting means for said operating mechanism including an elevated baseboard on which said operating mechanism is mounted; means for controlling the operation of 7 said operating mechanism including a treadle member, said treadle member having a base member adapted to rest on the floor to support the treadle member for foot operation, said base member having a platelike bottom portion; and a supporting plate member fixed to the underneath side of said baseboard, said plate member having supporting flanges at opposite sides thereof and a central depending guide portion between and above said flanges, said flanges and guide portion being adapted to receive said platelike portion of the base member therebetween for frictionally holding said treadle member in position for knee operation, said platelike portion of the base member being slidable on'said flanges lengthwise of the plate memberfor adjustment to various positions.

15. In a mechanism or the character described,

the combination with a power-driven operating mechanism; of supporting means for said operating mechanism including an elevated baseboard on which said operating mechanism is mounted; means for controlling the operation of said operating mechanism including a treadle member,- said treadle memberhaving a base.

member adapted to rest on the floor to support the treadle member for foot operation, said base member having a platelike bottom portion; a supporting plate member fixed to the underneath ,side of said baseboard, said plate member having supporting flanges at opposite sides thereof and a central depending gulde portion between and above said flanges, said flanges and guide portion being adapted to receive said platelike portion of the base member therebetween for frictionally holding said treadle member in position for knee operation, said platelike portion of the base member being slidable on said flanges lengthwise of theplate member for adjustment to various positions; and stop means at one end of said plate member for limiting the sliding movement of said treadle member.

16. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination with a. power-driven operating mechanism; of supporting means for said operating mechanism including an elevated baseboard on which said operating mechanism is mounted; means for controlling the operation 01 said operating mechanism including a treadle member, said treadle member having a base member adapted to rest on the floor to support the treadle member for foot operation, said base member having a platelike bottom portion; and a supporting spring plate member fixed to the underneath side of said baseboard, said spring plate member having horizontal supporting flanges at opposite sides thereof and a longitudinally extending, riblike, guide projection above and between said flanges, said flanges and guide cabinet for storage when not in use and being disposed in horizontal operating position when completely withdrawn from the cabinet, one end of said baseboard being supported by the cabinet and the other end thereof being supported by a foldable leg when the ironer is in. operating position; means'for controlling the operationof said 1 ironer including a treadle member having a flexible operating connection with said ironer, said treadle member having a base portion for supporting the same on the floor for foot operation; and a supporting bracket underneath said baseboard and secured toethe same, said bracket being pocketed to receive the base portion of said treadle member and support the latter for knee operation, said pocket also serving to support said treadle member on said baseboard when the ironer unit is folded into the cabinet for storage.

. '18. The combination with an ironer; of support means for the ironer; means for controlling the operation 'of the ironer, including aJeg operated member; means for readily detachably securing said member to the support means; and means flexibly connecting the leg operated member and ironer, whereby said ironer may be operably controlled either by the knee, when the member is carried on the support means, or by the. foot when said member is detached from the support means and resting on the floor.

JOSEPH w. JENSEN. 

